Dolphin Watching & Bandar Khayran Snorkeling
Published · 14 APR 2026
Day tripMuscatOne Day Moderate

Dolphin Watching & Bandar Khayran Snorkeling

Trade the city for the "fjords" of Muscat. Set sail from the marina in search of playful Spinner and Bottlenose dolphins before anchoring in the secluded bays of Bandar Khayran. With golden limestone cliffs as your backdrop, snorkel through calm, turquoise inlets teeming with coral life and the occasional friendly sea turtle.

By Hadil Nasser AL-Jabri

№ 01 / At a glance

About this itinerary.

This half-day aquatic escape is the perfect morning adventure for families and marine enthusiasts. Bandar Khayran is a network of winding "khors" (inlets) protected from the open sea, creating a safe haven for vibrant coral reefs and mangrove ecosystems. It offers a more intimate, coastal experience compared to the open-ocean islands. Highlights of the Day: Dolphin Watching, The "Fjords" of Muscat, Turtle & Reef Snorkeling, Mangrove Kayaking (Optional)

№ 02 / Day by day

The programme.

01

DAY 1

07:45

Arrival at the Marina

Meet your captain at Marina Bandar Al Rowdha. After a short briefing, board your speedboat and set off into the Gulf of Oman.

08:00

Searching for Dolphins

Head out into the deep blue. Your captain will use local knowledge to find the morning’s active pods. Enjoy about an hour of watching these magnificent creatures interact in the wild.

09:30

Bandar Khayran Inlets

Cruise along the dramatic coastline toward the secluded lagoons of Bandar Khayran. The boat will anchor in a sheltered bay with calm, mirror-like water.

10:00

Snorkeling & Marine Exploration

Jump in! Discover a world of colorful coral and tropical fish. The protected nature of the bays makes this an ideal spot for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike.

11:00

Coastal Leisure & Kayaking

Relax on the boat with refreshments, take a swim to a hidden sandy beach, or try your hand at kayaking (available on select private tours) through the narrow mangrove channels.

12:00

Return to Muscat

Enjoy a fast-paced boat ride back to the marina, taking in the views of the Al Bustan Palace and the historic Old Muscat harbor from the sea.

From the day

DAY 1 photo
DAY 1 photo

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